Domestic abuse advertising campaign launched

The independent charity Crimestoppers has launched a new Domestic Abuse advertising campaign in the run-up to Christmas.

The campaign, supported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Department of Justice, entitled ‘Behind Closed Doors’ is designed to encourage the reporting of incidents and make domestic abuse victims aware that they can take steps to stop it.

The advertising campaign will run in a number of hotspot areas across Northern Ireland. It will incorporate billboard, adshel and Facebook advertising.

Speaking about the initiative Superintendent Alan Skelton said, “Since October 2012 we have received 27,562 reports of domestic abuse incidents. This is in comparison to the previous year’s figure of 26,555.

“This increase reflects our continued commitment to working in partnership with stakeholder organisations to increase reporting and improve our response to victims of domestic abuse. Despite the rise in the number of reported incidents we still believe that a large number of domestic incidents are going unreported,” he revealed.

“We know from our research that incidents of domestic abuse rise over the festive season. It is a frightening crime which can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender or sexuality. Very often victims are isolated. No one should have to endure abuse and I want to encourage all victims of domestic abuse to come forward and report the matter to the police.

“The campaign ‘Behind Closed Doors’ not only encourages victims of abuse to come forward, but also asks neighbours, family or friends of victims to report any incidents anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

Susan Brew from Crimestoppers added, “The charity is there for anyone who wants to give information and remain completely anonymous. No one will ever know you made the call so we would encourage anyone with information on domestic abuse to call us.”

Over the past three years, through the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences, the Police Service of Northern Ireland assisted in the development of over 6,000 high risk victims of domestic abuse.

A 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline is also available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual violence, now or in the past. It is open to all women and men affected by domestic and sexual violence on 0808 802 1414.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland would strongly encourage anyone suffering from domestic abuse to contact their local police on 0845 600 8000. In an emergency, call 999.